If you're considering picking up a new iPad, there are two things to keep in mind. First, the "new" 2019 iPad is pretty much identical to its 2018 predecessor -- except for the slightly larger screen and keyboard dock connector. Otherwise, they're virtually identical. Second, beyond Amazon's current $29 markdown on the 128GB version of the new model, we can't predict exactly how retailers will price them once the 10.2-inch iPad starts shipping on Sept. 30.

It's quite possible that the 9.7-inch model will disappear in the coming weeks. It's technically discontinued. But that hasn't stopped other Apple products from living long, productive lives on the shelves of third-party retailers. One potential scenario: Those retailers could further cut the price of the old 32GB model to $220 and discount the new 32GB 10.2-inch model to $280. (This is all conjecture.) Or perhaps the entry-level 10.2-inch model picks up where the entry-level 9.7-inch model left off, settling in to a permanently discounted price of $250 price by Black Friday. Bottom line: Definitely don't pay more than $250 for the 32GB version of either of them.

Otherwise, the current deals on the newer iPad Mini and iPad Air remain negligible, and we'd recommend waiting for the next round of discounts to come through before buying either one of them. And finally, Apple is currently offering a deal of its own -- to students, at least: Buy an iPad Pro or iPad Air and pick up a free pair of Beats headphones. The deal is available to current and newly accepted college students and their parents, as well as faculty, staff and homeschool teachers of all grade levels.

Note that we're focused on the Wi-Fi versions of the iPad here. Using LTE on a tablet is cool but, for most people, not worth the additional cost -- for the device and the monthly service -- especially when you can easily tether your phone for free.

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Apple iPad discounts, compared

Model

List price

Best price (current)

Best price (all-time)

iPad 2019 (128GB)

$429

$400

$400

iPad 2018 (32GB)

$329

$249

$229

iPad 2018 (128GB)

$429

$329

$299

iPad Mini 2019 (64GB)

$399

$385

$359

iPad Air 2019 (64GB)

$499

$469

$449

iPad Pro 11 (64GB)

$799

$674

$649

iPad Pro 12.9 (64GB)

$999

$799

$799

Note that CNET may get a share of revenue from the sale of the products featured on this page.

Apple has now discontinued the 2018 9.7-inch iPad -- but the 32GB model is still available for $250 at plenty of stores, including Amazon and Walmart. That's not a bad deal on a great entry-level tablet. But it's quite possible that we'll see even larger discounts in the future.